I went on a quest for folly and found it on a haystack in Connecticut. To clarify, to start off my travel-based quest for folly towers, I started with the tower at the top of Haystack Mountain.
I think it says something about the pandemic that all it took is “we’re going somewhere” to get my family to pile into the car. It was around an hour and half drive, and I was questioning my commitment by minute 70, but it was beautiful day. We drove up a narrow road to a small parking lot, got out, stretched, had a picnic lunch, looked sadly at the bathroom with the board nailed across the door, and headed on our hike.
There were some steep sections with stone “steps” going up. My son discovered an interesting frog when stopping to catch his breath. To be truthful, calling this place a mountain is a bit hyperbolic. Still, we felt a sense of triumph when the tower came into view.
Built in 1929, this stone tower has views of New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. It’s on the National Registry of Historic places. There’s a picnic table next to it, and a weathered sign that might have once had a map on it.
Once inside, it follows traditional castle architecture of a winding stairway. Unfortunately for defenders, Craig is not right-handed. Unfortunately for Craig, he took the defensive position.
The stairs wind up to a landing, then up again to a set of metal steps to the observation area. Windows look out in all directions, and the breeze was quite welcome after our walk. Note: if you go, bring bug spray, good walking shoes and a bottle of water.
“I definitely want a tower when I have my own house,” my daughter declared. I would be happy to visit.
On the way through Massachusetts we stopped at a covered bridge. Craig flew his drone and we discovered more frogs and a UFO park (?). All in all, a great day for a folly.
